The State's Attorney's Office is primarily responsible for the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases at the trial level. In this regard the State's Attorneys work with the police in the development of cases, presentations to the Grand Jury and trial of cases in the Circuit, District or Juvenile Court.

The Harford County State's Attorney's Family Support Division works with the Bureau of Support Enforcement to establish paternity, set and collect child support. The State's Attorney's Office has specialized units to deal with domestic violence and child abuse and victims-witness concerns.

The Harford County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a multi-disciplinary, child-friendly place which has been operational since August of 1993. We are committed to the “best practices” in the investigation and intervention of crimes against children.

This unit was established in 1995. Through coordination of the efforts of the criminal justice system, the unit works to hold abusers accountable, assure the safety of victims, and interrupt the cycle of domestic violence.

The primary function of the Juvenile Division is to prosecute individuals under the age of 18 who commit offenses which would be crimes if committed by an adult. While the State's Attorney's Office focuses on prosecuting juveniles, the juvenile laws provide for a program of treatment, training and rehabilitation for juvenile offenders, as opposed to criminal sanctions.

The Mental Health Diversion Program is designed to address mental illness and substance abuse among individuals who enter the criminal justice system. It is a judicially monitored program that assumes responsibility for managing cases through intensive supervision, mental health treatment, and rehabilitation.

Once a case is indicted by the Grand Jury or an "Information" has been filed, the Victim Witness Assistance Unit establishes contact with the victim by sending a letter and brochure explaining the rights to which a victim is entitled. Through early contact with a victim, any specialized needs of the victim can be identified and the stress and trauma of the criminal justice process is minimized.